posted on January 1, 2002 08:28:17 PM new
Several months ago, someone posted a great reference URL for investigating vintage book values. I had used this several times, but since have replaced my "old" pc and lost all of my bookmarks. I have some books to research & would appreciate it if anyone that knows of any urls for books to reply.
posted on January 2, 2002 01:54:34 AM new
Try www.abebooks.com one of the largest book sites on the web. They list the inventory of thousands of used book stores.
Also try www.addall.com and www.bookfinder.com ~ they search multiple book sites (including abe).
posted on January 3, 2002 09:44:27 AM new
I own an online used bookstore specializing in the Beat Generation & modern poetry (http://www.emptymirrorbooks.com). I'd recommend that you don't shop at B&N for used books. Barnes & Noble has an arrangement to buy books from ABE booksellers (of which I am one). This means that if you find an out-of-print book you want on Barnes & Noble, they will order it from me and charge you more for it.
For example, I have an out-of-print book, "The Adept," by Michael McClure for sale at $40.00. You can buy it from my website or find it ABE at that price. BUT, Barnes and Noble has my copy listed at $64.76!!! The same book.
So you are better off not shopping at Barnes & Noble, but going to ABE directly ~ Barnes & Noble used books all come from ABE booksellers, they are just at higher prices. You're paying way more than you need to ~
posted on January 3, 2002 04:43:59 PM new
beatnikangel- I think you misunderstood me. I don't buy books from Barnes and Noble I just use their site to see what books cost. I realize that their books are out of site in price but it is an easy site to use for research. If I get a book I research it to see what they are getting for that book. I check both the high and the lowest price and I go from there. I usually sell much lower than they do. I will have to book mark your site and also the ABE one. I at one time had a large inventory of books but as they don't sell in our area I got rid of most of them. I do have a nephew thats sells books and does a great business. Good Luck
posted on January 4, 2002 06:21:05 AM new
Libra63 ~ Ah, I see.
But B&N isn't likely to give you an accurate portrait of the current prices books are going for, since they inflate the booksellers' prices by a huge percentage. Addall or Bookfinder or ABE will give you a much better picture of how other booksellers are actually pricing a particular book.
Even then, you should take the results with a grain of salt, as they represent books that haven't yet sold. I know of one book currently listed online that's about a $40-50 book in fine condition ~ one bookseller has an ex-library copy listed at $500 because of it's 'rarity.' It's anything but. Online sources are a terrific way to research book prices & get other bibliographical information but one should view the info with just a bit of skepticism.
best of luck to you in your bookselling endeavors!
posted on January 11, 2002 07:32:03 PM new
i do not know barnes and noble jacks up the price of used books ??
i know on amzn some of the big discount sellers jack up the price themselves to compensate for amzn 15% commission and small shipping credit
